'Tiny Brains' Puts Your Human-Sized Brain To The Test

by Jason CiprianoDecember 09, 2013 at 12:00AM
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Views: 5,697

Whoever said that being a test subject for a mad scientist was a bad thing clearly never played Tiny Brains. The first title for upstart developer Spearhead Games, Tiny Brains tests players co-op skills while you run through "expertly" designed courses as four rodents with special powers. Each vermin must use his physics-based power to help his comrades solve puzzles, complete objectives, and stay alive. If you have a PlayStation 4, and are using it to make new friends, this is the game that you're probably going to want to start with.

Who:
Developer: Spearhead Games
Publisher: 505 Games

The team at Spearhead Games have risen from the ashes of other great Canadian studios, many of whom have big name games for the likes EA and Ubisoft. Their pedigree includes such illustrious franchises as Assassin's Creed, Need For Speed, Dead Space, and Prince of Persia (and that's just the studio's three founders). So, while they may be the new kid on the block, it's probably best if you don't underestimate their skills.

What:
At its core, Tiny Brains is a co-op puzzle game, but as the game plays out, it ends up being so much more than that. In a super secret lab, a mad scientist thinks that he has created the ultimate beings - four rodents with superpowers: a bat that can psychically move objects, a rabbit that can pull things towards him, a bunny that can teleport, and a guinea pig that can create ice blocks out of thin air. The four animals must use their special skills to work together to solve puzzles to progress through the game. It can be played either solo, but is best enjoyed as a co-op experience, with up to three of your friends taking control of each of the characters. The game includes an assortment of modes in addition to the story that will put not only your puzzle solving, but also your ability to work well with others, to the test.

Where:Tiny Brains is a console exclusive that's available right now, for all you lucky, new PlayStation 4 owners out there. However, if you have a PC, you can also pre-order it on Steam - Windows only - for when it releases later this month.

Why:Tiny Brains mixes creative gameplay with humorous characters, and manages to find that rare sweet spot for gamers that like to think and laugh. Within just a few minutes of starting the game, it's clear that it can satisfy gamers that are looking for a challenge, and put a smile on their face while they're doing it. Tiny Brains is a good game on it's own, but it particularly shines when enjoyed with a group of friends. While it isn't impossible to work your way through the game flying solo, Tiny Brains proves the old adage that "two (or three, or four) brains are better than one." Some of the puzzles can be extremely challenging, and that's with a group of people trying to figure things out. Completing certain areas of the game takes precision, and impeccable timing, so when you throw switching between characters into that mix, it makes for a lot work for your fingers. If you have a couple of friends that are up for being the guinea pigs (or rats, or bats, or bunnies), then Tiny Brains is truly unique way to pass the time - just make sure that the friends you pick to play with are pretty smart.